Method and/or apparatus for user selection of signals to be sent to a computer

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a method and/or apparatus for user selection of signals to be sent to a computer for the purpose of initiating functioning macros, inputting specified user data, or launching user pre-selected commands, and are associated with electronic switches that allow for at least three input stages; depressing and holding, pressing at least once, and pressing at least twice. In one embodiment, the present invention is a pointing device including a housing, electronic circuitry within the housing, means for pointing control, and a plurality of externally mounted buttons that are in addition to the standard depressible buttons currently available on a pointing device, which are exposed on the housing and are electronically connected with circuitry.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to U.S. Utility application Ser. No.10/604,718 filed Aug. 13, 2003, the entire disclosure of which is hereinincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention is a method and/or apparatus for user selection ofsignals to be sent to a computer for the purpose of initiatingfunctioning macros, inputting specified user data, or launching userpreselected commands, and are associated with electronic switches thatallow for at least three input stages; depressing and holding, pressingat least once, and pressing at least twice.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a pointing device includinga housing, electronic circuitry within the housing, means for pointingcontrol, and a plurality of externally mounted buttons that are inaddition to the standard depressible buttons currently available on apointing device, which are exposed on the housing and are electronicallyconnected with circuitry.

There are a variety of known computer input devices. At one time, themost popular and commonly used computer input device was the keyboard.The recent development and increased use of graphical user interfaceproducts, however, have served to highlight the inherent limitations ofthe conventional computer keyboard as an input device. For example, theconventional keyboard is designed primarily for textual input and allowslimited control of cursor movements and data input flexibility.Unfortunately, data input and cursor control of such a limited natureoften fails to take full advantage of the wide range of graphicalfunctions provided in current graphical user interface products and thusfrustrates the efficient and effective use of such products.

The functional and operational limitations of a conventional keyboard asa computer input device led to the development of alternative, moregraphically oriented and user friendly computer input devices such asthe joystick, gaming device, mouse and trackball. Such alternative inputdevices require less direct attention (for example, eye contact) thusallowing the user to concentrate on the computer screen and the task athand. These devices are specially designed to facilitate precisioncursor movements, at varying speeds, and in virtually any desireddirection, thus allowing the user to easily take full advantage of theenhanced graphical functions provided in current graphical userinterface products.

However, common graphically oriented computer input devices typicallyretain an important limitation which is not present in the conventionalcomputer keyboard: the inability to efficiently, and effectively, inputthe wide selection of user selected data that is many times requestedand used in a repetitious manner in the data input fields of manygraphical user interface products without depending on a secondary datainput device, such as the conventional keyboard. For example, mostcurrent mouse devices, trackballs, joysticks, gaming devices or remotecontrols are not large enough to have defined keys used for typing saiddata; and if did, would make the device too large and impractical.

One disadvantage to this limitation is that the operator has to move hisfingers from the input device to the keyboard in order to complete thedata input fields of many displayed documents on a screen, which isinefficient, time consuming, and can break the user's flow andconcentration if done on a repetitive basis.

Another disadvantage is that using two computer input devicessimultaneously requires more direct attention (for example, eye contact)which distracts the user from concentrating on the computer screen andthe task at hand. This can be aggravating when dealing with repetitivedata such as personal data, credit card information and usernames.

Kensington has a product called the “Expert Mouse Pro Trackball” thathas a text store & paste feature, but it is for one field of generaltext only and is not specified data. It also does not allow for a quickand efficient method of pasting multiple different fields of specifieduser data that are often requested by many graphical user interfaceproducts today. It also does not allow for data to be stored formultiple users simultaneously. This limits its usefulness.

In these respects, an apparatus and/or method that specificallyaddresses the use of front mounted buttons for initiating functioningmacros, inputting specified user data, or launching user pre-selectedcommands substantially departs itself from the conventional concepts anddesigns of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus and/ormethod developed for the purpose of effectively and efficientlyinputting user selected data that is many times requested and used in arepetitious manner in the fields of many displayed documents on adisplay device without depending on a secondary data input device, suchas the conventional keyboard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the presentinvention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes betterunderstood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an angled view of the mouse embodiment of the presentinvention having a body 2 with main function buttons 4, a wheel 6 andadditional front mounted buttons 8-11.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the mouse embodiment of the present inventionhaving a body 2 with main function buttons 4, a wheel 6 and additionalfront mounted buttons 8-11.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the mouse embodiment of the present inventionhaving a body 2 with main function buttons 4, a wheel 6 and additionalfront mounted buttons 8-11.

FIG. 4 is a view of the administrator sign-in screen of the softwaredesigned for the mouse embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view of the new user sign-in screen of the software designedfor the mouse embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view of the user's personal information template screen ofthe software designed for the mouse embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view of the user's username and password template screen ofthe software designed for the mouse embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view of the user's credit card template screen of thesoftware designed for the mouse embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a view of the user's custom settings template screen with adrop down list of custom commands for the software designed for themouse embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a view of the administrator's preferences of the softwaredesigned for the mouse embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 displays the button summary screen of the software designed forthe present invention.

FIG. 12 is a view of the display device confirmation pop-ups that areactivated when user changes templates or disables macros of the softwaredesigned for the mouse embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram displaying the mouse embodiment of the presentinvention being used with a standard computer system.

FIG. 14 is a graphical display showing the mouse pointer hovering over afirst name label.

FIG. 15 is a graphical display showing the mouse pointer at the firstname text input gadget.

FIG. 16 is a graphical display showing the mouse pointer hovering overthe username label.

FIG. 17 is a graphical display showing the mouse pointer at the textinput gadget for the username.

FIG. 18 is a graphical display showing the mouse pointer hovering overthe credit card label.

FIG. 19 is a graphical display showing the mouse pointer at the textinput gadget for the credit card.

FIG. 20 is a view of the button 1 autofill template screen of thesoftware designed for the for the mouse embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 21 is a view of the button 1 autofill template screen withadditional autofill data of the software designed for the for the mouseembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a view of an alternate button summary screen of the softwaredesigned for the mouse embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a view of an alternate administrators preferences screen ofthe software designed for the mouse embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a view of a popup help window of the alternateadministrator's preferences window of the software of the mouseembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a view of a popup alternate administrator's preferenceswindow of the software for the present invention to customize thedefinition of the input fields.

FIG. 26 is a top view of the remote control embodiment of the presentinvention, showing the four frontal macro buttons.

FIG. 27 is a view of the users personal information template screen ofthe software designed for the remote control embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 28 is a top view of the gaming device embodiment of the presentinvention, showing the four frontal macro buttons.

FIG. 29 is a view of the character 3 template screen of the softwaredesigned for the gaming device embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a top view of the wireless PDA phone device embodiment of thepresent invention, showing the four frontal macro buttons.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Inaddition, the improved method and apparatus for user selection ofsignals to be sent to a computer for the purpose of initiatingfunctioning macros, inputting specified user data, or launching userpre-selected commands as taught herein can be shaped into differentappearances including different buttons, different number of buttons,and different button locations. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of thedescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

The present invention, in one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, is animproved computer control mouse 1 including a housing/body 2, electroniccircuitry within the housing, a user manipulatable rotatable ball, awheel 6, optical technology, or other means for pointing control, wireor wireless, and a plurality of front mounted buttons 8-11 that are inaddition to the standard depressible buttons 4 currently available on acomputer control mouse, which are exposed on the housing and areelectronically connected with circuitry. The frontal buttons 8-11 aremounted in such a way as to provide for easy access by the operator. Atleast some or all of the frontal finger depressible buttons 8-11 are foruser selection of signals to be sent to the computer 12 for the purposeof initiating functioning macros, inputting specified user data into adisplayed document, or launching user pre-selected commands. In oneembodiment, the pointing device is a trackball. A displayed document canbe a form, webpage, document, graphical user interface, query, video,interactive videogame, slideshow, animation or any interface on adisplay device which receives data.

In one embodiment, the plurality of front mounted buttons 8-11 on thepresent improved mouse 1 are associated with electronic switches thatallow for at least three input stages; depressing and holding, pressingat least once, and pressing at least twice.

The circuitry is structured to read an immediate, instant or currentstate or value of the electronic switches and to communicaterepresentative control signals to the associated specialized computersoftware 16 developed for this purpose.

In one embodiment, the pointing device would be ergonomically designedfor left/right hand users.

FIG. 4 shows the screen wherein one embodiment, a user logs into thesoftware 16, which after verifying the username and password, selectsthe user's templates 51-55 and saved data to be loaded into thecomputer's resident memory 26 to be used with the frontal buttons 8-11of the pointing device 1. There is a username drop down menu 3 for theuser to select a username from usernames that have been previouslyentered. The user then goes to the password field 13 and inserts thepassword. If the user can not remember the password, they simply checkthe “I forgot my password” box 5 and press the enter button 15. If theuser is a new user without a username already, they would check the NewUser box 7, then click the enter button 15. In one embodiment, theinitial or main user would be named the “Administrator” and would beprivileged to certain administrative features that all other users wouldnot have access to, such as deleting a username and all saved dataassociated with that username, and turning on and off the username andpassword features. In one embodiment, a user can log in and load theirpersonal templates 51-55 into the computer's resident memory 26 to beused with the frontal buttons 8-11 of the pointing device 1 by simplypressing a sequence on the frontal buttons 8-11 on the mouse device 1 orthe keyboard 23 that represents the password. In one embodiment, if nouser is “logged on” and no user's templates 51-55 are loaded in thecomputers resident memory, the log in screen in FIG. 4 will appear onthe users display device 20 when the user presses any of the frontalbuttons 8-11 of the mouse device 1. In one embodiment, a user will beautomatically be logged off after a period of time of non-activity.

FIG. 5 displays a New User screen. In the new username field 17 the usertypes in with the keyboard 23 a desired username. In the password field13, the user types in with the keyboard 23 a desired password. In theretype password field 19, the user then retypes the password to confirmit's accuracy. Next, the user would have to agree to the terms andagreements 22 to use the mouse device software 16 by checking the Iagree box 27 then pressing the enter button 15 on the screen. If a userwanted to first read the terms and agreements 22 for using the software16, the user would click on the link terms and agreements 22, whichwould bring up a pop-up box containing such.

FIG. 6 displays the personal information template screen 51 of thesoftware 16 designed for the mouse embodiment of the present inventionwhere a user types in with the keyboard 23 their personal data into thefirst name field 28, last name field 29, Address field 31, City field32, state field 33, zip code field 34, phone number field 35, and emailaddress field 36, which is saved into a database 40 by the user clickingon the save button 37. The number and format of fields and templatespresented in FIG. 6 should not be viewed as fixed or limiting.

After being saved, when the user intends to input this personal datainto a displayed document 47, the user holds down frontal button 8 onthe computer mouse device 1 for a period of time, to load the data fromthe personal data template 51 into the computer's resident memory 26. Aperiod of time is within a range of 0.25 to 10 seconds.

In one embodiment, another way in which the personal data template 51 isloaded into the computer's resident memory 26 for use by the fourfrontal buttons 8-11 is to move (drag) the mouse pointer 50 over theFIRST NAME field label 56 in a displayed document 47 and let it hoverfor a period of time as seen in FIG. 14, while software 16, matches theFIRST NAME field label 56 in a displayed document 47 with the personaltemplate field definition FIRST NAME 38. The same method of loading thepersonal data template 51 or any of the other templates 52-55 into thecomputer's resident memory 26 for use by the frontal buttons 8-11 of thepointing device 1 can be done by dragging the pointer 50 over any of theother field definitions 56 in a displayed document 47, such as LASTNAME, ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE, PHONE, E-MAIL, USERNAME, PASSWORD,CREDIT CARD, etc. Any data field definitions 38 on a template of thesoftware 16 matched with a word or symbol hovered upon for a period oftime in a displayed document 47 will load the associated template 51-55into the computer's resident memory 26 for use by the frontal buttons8-11 of the mouse device 1. In one embodiment, to avoid template loadingconflicts, identical data field definitions 38 would only be permissibleon the same template 51.

Once the data from the personal information template 51 is loaded in thecomputer's resident memory 26, the eight fields of user personal data,as shown in FIG. 6, can be inserted into a desired field 48 on adisplayed document 47 such as in FIG. 14 by the user moving and placingthe cursor in the desired field 48, and clicking or double clicking anyof the four frontal buttons 8-11 which will insert the correspondingdata. For example as seen in FIG. 15, by pressing the frontal button 8once (clicking) on the pointing device 1, it inserts the user's storedfirst name “Mitch”. Press button 8 twice (double clicking) toautomatically insert the user's last name. Notice the insertion cursoris positioned at the end of “Mitch” after the “Mitch” text has beeninserted. Then by pressing any of the other three buttons 9-11 eithersingle or double click, the software 16 will input the correspondinginformation that was saved on the personal data template 51 in thedatabase 40.

In one embodiment, the user inserts their personal data into a displayeddocument 47 after loading the data into the computer's resident memory26 by the user simply placing the pointer 50 in the desired field 48 onthe displayed document 47, and clicking or double clicking each of thefour frontal buttons 8-11. In one embodiment, a user can move the cursorfrom one field 48 on a displayed document 47 to another field 49 bypressing and releasing one of the plurality of frontal buttons 8-11,traditional mouse buttons 4 or the wheel 6 by utilizing software 16 withoptions designed for this purpose.

FIG. 7 displays the username template 52 of the software 16 where theuser would enter up to four specific usernames and passwords, which issaved into a database 40 by the user clicking the save button 37 at thebottom of the template 52. The user fills in the informationaccordingly. The number and format of fields and templates presented inFIG. 7 should not be viewed as fixed or limiting.

After being saved, when the user intends to input this username datainto a displayed document 47 on a displaying device 20, the user holdsdown frontal button 9 on the computer mouse for a period of time to loadthe saved data of the username template 52 into the computer's residentmemory 26, which is then accessible by the user simply placing thecursor in the desired displayed document field 48 and dicking or doubleclicking each of the four frontal buttons 8-11. Another way in which theusername template 52 is loaded into the computer's resident memory 26for use by the pointing device's four buttons 8-11 is to move (drag) themouse pointer 50 over the USERNAME field label 58 on a displayeddocument 47 and let it hover for a period of time as seen in FIG. 16while software 16, matches the USERNAME field label 58 with the usernametemplate 52 field label USERNAME 60. Also in the same way, the usernametemplate 52 can be loaded by dragging the pointer 50 over the PASSWORDfield label 57 while the software 16 matches “PASSWORD” with usernametemplate definition or label “PASSWORD” 61. In one embodiment, to avoidconflicts, identical data field definitions 38 would only be permissibleon the same template 52.

Once the data from the username template 52 is loaded in the computer'sresident memory 26, the eight cells of username and password data, asshown in FIG. 7, can be inserted into a field 48 on a displayed document47 by the user simply placing the cursor in the desired field 48, andclicking or double clicking each of the four frontal buttons 8-11. Forexample as seen in FIG. 17, by pressing (clicking) button 8 once, thesoftware 16 automatically inserts the username “Mitch” in the field 48the cursor is in. Press button 8 twice (double clicking) toautomatically insert the user's first password in the field 49 thecursor is in. Then by pressing any of the other three buttons 9-11either single or double click, the software 16 will input thecorresponding information that was saved on the username template 52from the database 40.

FIG. 8 displays the credit card template screen of the software 16 wherethe user would store up to four credit, debit or charge cards (Visa,MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Debit Card, Etc.) by choosingthe type of card from the card dropdown menu 62, entering up to fourspecific credit card numbers and up to four specific expiration dates,which is then saved into a database 40 by the software 16 by the userclicking the save button 37 at the bottom of the credit card template53. The user would fill in the information accordingly. The number andformat of fields and templates presented in FIG. 8 should not be viewedas fixed or limiting.

After being saved, when the user intends to input this credit card datainto a displayed document 47, the user holds down frontal button 10 onthe computer mouse for a period of time to load the credit card datatemplate 53 into the computer's resident memory 26, which is thenaccessible by the mouse's four frontal buttons 8-11. Another way inwhich the credit card data template 53 is loaded in the computersresident memory 26 for use by buttons 8-11 is to move the mouse pointer50 over the CREDIT CARD label 63 on a displayed document 47 as seen inFIG. 18 and let it hover for a period of time while software matches theCREDIT CARD field label 63 of the displayed document 47 with the creditcard template definition “CREDIT CARD” 64 or matches the “VISA” label 65in the displayed document with the “VISA” field definition 66.

Once the data from the credit card template 53 is loaded in thecomputer's resident memory 26, the eight cells of credit card numberdata and expiration date data, as shown in FIG. 8, can be pasted orinserted into a displayed document 47 such as FIG. 20 by the user simplyplacing the cursor in the desired recipient text field, and dicking ordouble dicking each of the four frontal buttons 8-11. For example asseen in FIG. 19, by pressing button 8 once (single click), itautomatically inserts the user's first credit card number“4500001612344500” in the field 48 the cursor is in. In one embodiment,the single dick of button 8 when over or near the selection list field65 of the displayed document 47 will automatically select the users typeof credit card “VISA” that was saved in the credit card template 53. Bypressing button 8 twice the expiration date of that card will beinserted in the expiration date field 115. Then by pressing any of theother three buttons 9-11, either single or double dick, the software 16will input the corresponding information that was saved on the creditcard template 53 from the database 40. In one embodiment, there is anadditional column located on the credit card template 53 for each creditcard's CID security number. Once saved in the template 53, a user caninsert the CID number that was saved on the credit card template 53 fromthe database 40 by the user simply placing the cursor in the desiredtext field 48, and triple dicking a selected one of the four frontalbuttons 8-11.

FIG. 9 displays the custom settings template 54 of the software 16 wherethe user would choose up to eight specific commands from a drop downmenu 67 containing such commands as pasting custom text, opening afavorite website, open an internet browser, check email, compose amessage, open a software program, launch instant messenger, print, opena file, paste a signature, dose a pop-up menu, etc., which is then savedinto the database 40 by the software 16 by the user dicking on the savebutton 37 at the bottom of the template 54.

In one embodiment, the software 16 will allow the user to customize andadd any command, combination of commands, and combination of commandsand data insertion that the user would want. In one embodiment, the dropdown list commands 67 can be customized and used multiple times withsimilar or different settings on each. For example, the user may want tocustomize all eight commands on the custom settings template to openeight different websites. The number and format of fields and templatespresented in FIG. 9 should not be viewed as fixed or limiting.

After being saved, when the user intends to initiate one of the saidcommands, the user simply holds down frontal button 11 on the mousedevice 1 for a period of time to load the custom settings template 54into the computer's resident memory 26, which is then accessible by thefrontal buttons 8-11 of the pointing device.

Once the data from the custom settings template 54 is loaded in thecomputer's resident memory 26, the eight cells of commands, as shown inFIG. 9, can be initiated by the user simply clicking or double clickingeach of the four frontal buttons 8-11 with the pointer 50 anywhere on adisplayed document. For example, if the following commands were storedin the computer's resident memory 26, pressing button 8 once wouldautomatically open the users chosen internet browser. Pressing button 8twice would launch the user's chosen website. If any of the selectedcommands involve pasting or inputting information (such as general text,or signature) into the displayed document 47, the user would first placeor drag the cursor to the desired field 48, and then click or doubledick the corresponding frontal button 8-11. Then by pressing any of theother three frontal buttons, either single or double click, the software16 will activate the corresponding information or command that was savedon the custom settings template 54 in the database 40.

FIG. 10 displays the Administrator Preferences template screen of thesoftware. The screen would allow the administrator control over theoptions of the software 16. In one embodiment of the software, theadministrator has such options by placing a checkmark in the appropriatebox, as disabling the login feature 69 (appropriate for single usersonly), automatically disabling the macros after a chosen length of timeof non-activity 70, changing the user's username and password 71, andcompletely deleting usernames. In one embodiment, at the bottom of thescreen there are directions for displaying the mouse software, launchingthe summary page, disabling the macros (log off), logging back in, andother features. The number and format of fields and templates presentedin FIG. 10 should not be viewed as fixed or limiting. In one embodiment,only the administrator or owner would have access to the screen of FIG.10, and other users would have access to a limited preferences screenwithout features that may effect other users.

FIG. 11 displays a button summary template which gives the user asummary of the data they've saved in the database 40 for each of thefour main templates 51-54 in one screen view. In one embodiment, whenlogged in, a user can view this screen simply pressing on the wheel 6 ofthe pointing device 1 for at least two seconds. When not logged in,pressing on the wheel 6 of the pointing device 1 for at least twoseconds would activate the user sign-in screen of FIG. 4. The number andformat of fields and templates presented in FIG. 11 should not be viewedas fixed or limiting.

FIG. 12 displays a sample of confirmation pop-ups of the loadedtemplate. In one embodiment, each loaded template 51-55 has a pop-upconfirmation window 68 which appears briefly for a time (approximatelyfor 1 second) on the display device 20 then automatically doses wheneverthe user changes the template 51-55 loaded in the computer's residentmemory 26 by pressing the chosen frontal buttons 8-11 on the computermouse 1 for a period of time, or when the pointer 50 hovers over one ofthe identifier labels 56 in the personal, username or credit cardtemplates 51-53 for loading that template, or when the user logs off andremoves all templates loaded into the computer's resident memory 26 bypressing any two of the frontal buttons 8-11 at the same time forapproximately 3 seconds. In one embodiment, the pop-ups are replacedwith a chime or signature tone (such as the one that is played whenMicrosoft Windows is opened) that plays to inform the user that atemplate has been loaded. In one embodiment, the loading of eachtemplate & logging on and off by a user activates a different chime orsignature tone. In one embodiment, a user can customize or select adifferent chime or signature tone for the leading of each template orfor logging on and off. In one embodiment, each user identified with ausername and password has a different one or set of chimes or signaturetones.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a representative computer system 12that is used with the improved mouse embodiment 1 of the currentinvention, and displays a multi-conductor cable 30 having a cord endwhich plugs into a port on a computer 12 that is common withconventional desktop mice. In one embodiment, a cable 30 would not bepresent on the improved mouse 1, which communicates with a computer 12through wireless communication such as infrared light for example only,and which contains a battery to provide electrical power to thecircuitry of mouse's circuit board. The computer system 12 may include adisplay device 20, a chassis 21, and one or more user input devices, ofwhich one of these is the mouse device 1 and a keyboard 23. The mousedevice 1 is connected to the computer system 12 by a cable 30. Thechassis 21 may house a permanent storage system 24, such as a hard diskdrive, optical disk drive, tape drive, flash drive, or the like, whichmay store one or more software applications such as a web browserapplication 25, and the mouse software 16. The client computer system 12may have a memory 26 resident therein and the software application(s)from the disk 24 may be transferred to the memory 26 to be executed by aCPU 18 in the computer system 12. The browser application 25 may beconfigured to connect the client computer system 12 with other machines12 in the network 14 and receive graphical information (i.e., web pages)that may be displayed on the display device 20 to a user. The browserapplication 25 may also permit the client computer systems 12 tointeract with the other machines 12. The mouse software 16 may have oneor several databases 40 that will be stored in the permanent storagesystem 24, on a removable storage system, or on a server 73 and may beaccessed by at least one pointing device 1 connected to the network 14.In one embodiment, the database 40 will be encrypted for consumer andsystem protection.

In one embodiment, the software 16 is designed for multiple users eachhaving their own interchangeable data in a template database 40 withpassword protection.

With regard to FIGS. 4 and 5 and the discussion above, each time a newuser is created by the administrator or new user, a new templatedatabase 40 is created. Each of these template databases 40 can be usedseparately to create, store and load (assign) different templates ofstored data into the computer's resident memory 26 to be activated bythe frontal buttons 8-11 of the improved mouse device 1. Thus even asingle user may create, as in FIG. 5, multiple sets of templates ortemplate databases for different uses or purposes, for example, one forwork and one for home addresses and passwords. Then all that user has todo to in order to quickly or conveniently switch between them is to logout one of them and log in another, as shown in FIG. 4.

FIGS. 20-21 Another embodiment of the invention is to incorporate amethod of conveniently inserting macro data into specific input fields48 on a displayed document 47 that have been marked with a tag orsimilar markup language. One example of these tags is defined in theECML (Electronic Commerce Modeling Language) proposed standard, found inthe document at http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc3106.txt, hereby incorporatedby reference. The ECML language or similar script or computer languageworks like HTML in providing markup document tags that go beyond knownHTML functions by providing the location and identification of inputfields and form field fill-ins.

Thus, in one embodiment an autofill template 55 is in the software 16,and contains four autofill sub-templates 74-77 for a user to program andstore up to four different sets of autofill data (for example, homeaddress, business address, vacation home address, parent's home address,children's home address, different credit cards, etc). FIG. 20illustrates where a user types in with the keyboard 23 their personaldata 79, such as name, address, city, state, zip code, phone number,country, email address, and their credit card data 80, such as creditcard number, name on card, type of card, expiration date andverification code, which is saved into a database 40 represented as thedata of “button #1 autofill” 74 by the user clicking on the save button37. The user can save three additional “sets” of autofill information byclicking button #2 autofill sub-template 75, button #3 autofillsub-template 76, button #4 autofill sub-template 77. The number andformat of fields and templates presented in FIGS. 21-22 should not beviewed as fixed or limiting.

In each of the autofill sub-templates, the user has the option to storean alternate shipping address by clicking in the add/edit alternateaddress button 78. and filling in the alternate shipping address pop-uptemplate 108 as seen in FIG. 21.

In one embodiment, after being saved, when the user intends to inputthis autofill data into a displayed document 47, the user holds downfrontal button 8 on the mouse device 1 for a period of time, to load thedata from the autofill data template 55 into the computer's residentmemory 26, which contains the data of the four different sub-templates,and is accessible by the user clicking or double clicking buttons 8-11on the computer mouse 1. A period of time is within a range of 0.25 to10 seconds.

Then, the field labels in the sub-templates 74-77 activated by thefirst, second, third and fourth frontal mouse buttons 8-11 are matchedwith the marked language or ECML like tags in the displayed document 47to be filled in. When a match is made data from the sub-template thatmatches the field is automatically filled in (or inputted) into thecorresponding input fields by the user single clicking or doubleclicking a selected one of the mouse frontal buttons 8-11. It is notnecessary that all the field labels in a sub-template page of thedatabase have a match with the marked language or ECML like tags. Inthat case the input field will stay blank and the user still has theopportunity to fill in with text via keyboard or activation of the macrobuttons in the other methods discussed above.

FIG. 20 illustrates that each of the sub-templates 74-77 controlled bythe mouse frontal buttons 8-11 have a separate section of macro data tobe created, stored, loaded and activated for a single click 79 and adouble click 80 of each of the mouse frontal buttons 8-11. In thisembodiment, a user can autofill their personal information 79 in adisplayed document with a single click without entering their creditcard information 80. The separation of personal and credit card datainsertion acts as an additional safety mechanism.

If the user has decided they want to insert their credit cardinformation, they simply double dick a selected one of the frontalbuttons 8-11 to insert the corresponding credit card data 80. Inaddition, by separating the personal data 79 and credit card data 80into different clicks, a user may choose to autofill the personal dataof one sub-template 74 and the credit card of another sub-template 75.For example, once the autofill template 55 is loaded into the computer'sresident memory 26, a user could insert the autofill personalinformation 79 of the button #1 autofill sub-template 74 by singleclicking the frontal button 8 on the mouse device 1, and could insertthe autofill credit card information 80 of the button #3 autofillsub-template 76 by double clicking the frontal button 10 on the mousedevice 1.

FIG. 22 is an alternate button summary screen as described in FIG. 11.In FIG. 22, a user can see the data they stored in the autofillsub-templates 74-77 by clicking each of the summary button links 81-84.Upon clicking each of the mentioned links 81-84, the user would bebrought directly to the corresponding sub-template page 74-77 showingtheir stored data. In one embodiment, the autofill sub-template datawould appear directly on the screen of FIG. 22. The number and format offields and templates presented in FIG. 22 should not be viewed as fixedor limiting.

FIG. 23 illustrates an alternate administrator preferences screen asdescribed in FIG. 10. In one embodiment as seen in FIG. 23 theadministrator has the option 85 to create a password or coderepresenting a password which is on the keyboard or is a sequence of thefour frontal buttons 8-11 pressed in an order that will allow immediatelogging in of the user for his stored templates in the database. Forexample, with four buttons 8-11 on the mouse device 1, a code such3-4-1-3 maybe entered as a password in FIG. 4 or 5. Then, while usingthe mouse the user can load the template database accessible by the userby simply clicking on the buttons (3)10-(4)11-(1)8-(3)10 which are thethird, fourth first and third frontal mouse buttons. In one embodiment,only the administrator or owner would have access to the screen of FIG.23, and other users would have access to a limited preferences screenwithout features that may effect other users.

FIG. 23 also illustrates another alternative way of logging in a newuser. In one embodiment, the mouse device 1 or the computer system 12contains a biometric sensor that can be tied to trigger the immediatelogin of a particular user. The administrative preference page of FIG.23, provides a check box 86 for using the biometric sensor for loggingin. Another embodiment as seen in FIG. 23 is the checkbox option 87 toactivate the feature of automatically loading the templates 51-54containing field definitions 38 matched with field definitions 58hovered over by the pointer 50 on a displayed document 47, and the checkbox option 88 to highlight the fields 48 of a displayed document 47 thathave been marked with a tag or a marked language that the software 16recognizes and has successfully matched with the field labels of thesub-templates 74-77. Another embodiment as seen in FIG. 23 is thecheckbox option 89 to disable the template change confirmation pop-upsas described in FIG. 12. The number and format of fields and templatespresented in FIG. 23 should not be viewed as fixed or limiting.

FIG. 24 displays a view of a popup help window 109 of the alternateadministrators preferences window of FIG. 23, which pops up on thedisplay device 20 when the “HELP” button 90 in FIG. 23 is clicked toprovide further instructions regarding the software and theadministrator's instructions.

FIG. 25 is a view of an alternate administrator preferences window ofFIG. 23 showing an additional feature allowing the user to modify thenames of the templates 51-54 and field labels 38 of the templates foreach of the buttons 9-11 on the mouse. As shown in FIG. 23, the firsttemplate customization button 91 is shown ghosted because it is thebutton for activating and creating the autofill data, and does not needto be modified. The screen in FIG. 25 is useful for changing theorganization of the data to be stored and identified with the fieldlabels or data definitions 38 in each template 51-54. Also, the screenin FIG. 25 is useful for providing new field labels 38 in the templates51-54 which when matched with the field labels 58 or selected words of adisplayed document, loads the matched template data into the buttons8-11 as mentioned above with regard to FIGS. 6-8. The number and formatof fields and templates presented in FIG. 25 should not be viewed asfixed or limiting.

The present invention, in one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 26-27, is animproved remote control device 92 including a housing/body 93,electronic circuitry within the housing, signal projecting technology 94for sending signals to a receiver, standard depressible buttons 95currently available on a remote control and a plurality of externallymounted buttons 8-11 that are in addition to the standard depressiblebuttons 95, which are exposed on the housing and are electronicallyconnected with circuitry. The external buttons 8-11 are mounted in sucha way as to provide for easy access by the operator. At least some orall of the external finger depressible buttons 8-11 are for userselection of signals to be sent to the computer 12 for the purpose ofinitiating functioning macros, inputting specified user data into adisplayed document, or launching user pre-selected commands. A displayeddocument can be a form, webpage, document, graphical user interface,query, video, interactive videogame, slideshow, animation or anyinterface on a display device which receives data.

In one embodiment, the plurality of front mounted buttons 8-11 on thepresent remote control 92 are associated with electronic switches thatallow for at least three input stages; pressing and holding, pressing atleast once, and pressing at least twice. In one embodiment, the software16 is designed whereby the buttons that are for user selection ofsignals to be sent to the computer 12 for the purpose of initiatingfunctioning macros, inputting specified user data into a displayeddocument, or launching user pre-selected commands are the standarddepressible buttons 95 already available on a remote control.

The circuitry is structured to read an immediate, instant or currentstate or value of the electronic switches and to communicaterepresentative control signals to the associated specialized software 16developed for this purpose.

FIG. 27 shows a screen similar to FIG. 6 whereby data is to beprogrammed, stored, however upon selection is loaded into the computer'sresident memory 26 to be used with the frontal buttons 8-11 of theremote control 92 by entering a username and password as explained withthe computer mouse embodiment in FIGS. 4-5. In one embodiment, thesoftware 16 is designed to provide all of the similar functionalitieswith the frontal buttons 8-11 of the remote control 92 as with thefrontal buttons 8-11 of the mouse device 1, as previously explained inthe computer mouse embodiment 1 of the present invention. The number andformat of fields and templates presented in FIG. 28 should not be viewedas fixed or limiting.

In one embodiment of the current invention the database 40 of thesoftware 16 is stored on a permanent storage system 24 or server 73 andwould be accessible to all pointing devices connected to the network 14or server 73 via usernames and passwords or other security relatedfeatures. This will allow a user access to their database anywhere onthe network 14 regardless of which pointing device they were using,providing the design of the device incorporated the present invention.

FIG. 27 In one embodiment, the remote control 92 or wireless pointingdevice is assigned a unique MAC ID address or similar unique identifierand is recognizable by the software 16 through wireless means. Oncerecognized by the software 16, the user will have the option to assign aname to the device 92, for example “Remote control 1” 97 and can access,load and activate their database 40 of personal data through thisparticular device 92 into a displayed document 47 by selecting thedevice 92 in a drop down box 96 on a screen of the software 16.

Once selected in the drop down box 96, when the user is logged in andpresses a selected one of the frontal buttons 8-11 on the remotecontrol, the associated MAC ID address of the remote control 92 isattached to the signaled command and once the software 16 recognizes andmatches the attached MAC ID address or other identifier with the one ofthe device 92 chosen in the drop down box 96 of the software 16, itfacilitates the desired command. In this embodiment, several remotecontrols 92 can be used by several users with different databases 40simultaneously on the same network or server to program, access, load,and activate their databases of data without compromising security orusability. In one embodiment, a user can select more than one pointingdevice to access their information on simultaneously by pressing andholding the control key on the keyboard 23 while selecting the devices92 from a list in the pointing device drop down box 96 and saving theirselection by clicking on the save button 37 at the bottom of the screenof the software 16. This would allow a user the convenience to access,load, and activate their database of data from a computer mouse,trackball, remote control, gaming device, or any device with externalbuttons designed to work with the software 16 simultaneously, withoutthe task of changing approved devices 92 in the drop down box 96 of thesoftware 16.

In one embodiment, a user can log into the software 16 by pressing asequence of buttons on the remote control 92 which represents apassword. In one embodiment, the remote control 92 contains a biometricsensor that can be tied to trigger the immediate login of a particularuser.

The present invention, in one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 28-29, is animproved gaming device 98 including a housing/body 103, electroniccircuitry within the housing, signal projecting technology 94 forsending signals to a receiver, battery or similar power means, standarddepressible buttons 95 currently available on a remote control and aplurality of externally mounted buttons 8-11 that are in addition to thestandard depressible buttons 95, which are exposed on the housing andare electronically connected with circuitry. The external buttons 8-11are mounted in such a way as to provide for easy access by the operator.At least some or all of the external finger depressible buttons 8-11 arefor user selection of signals to be sent to the computer 12 device forthe purpose of initiating functioning macros, inputting specified userdata or launching user pre-selected commands within interactive games onmultimedia devices, video game machines, personal computers, and gamesplayed over a global computer network.

In one embodiment, the software 16 is designed whereby the buttons thatare for user selection of signals to be sent to the computer 12 for thepurpose of initiating functioning macros, inputting specified user dataor launching user pre-selected commands within interactive games onmultimedia devices, video game machines, personal computers, and gamesplayed over a global computer network are the standard depressiblebuttons 95 already available on a gaming device. In one embodiment, thegaming device 98 contains the CPU 18, power source, permanent storagesystem 24, resident memory 26, software 16, and display device 20 and isa stand-alone, independent gaming device.

In one embodiment, the computer 12 is a multimedia device, or isdesigned primarily for the function of games and houses a CPU 18, and apermanent storage device 24 and is connected to a display device 20,such a Sony's Playstation and Microsoft's X-Box. In one embodiment, thesoftware 16 is designed primarily for operating interactive games onmultimedia devices, video game machines, personal computers, and gamesplayed over a global computer network. The gaming device 97 can beconnected to the computer either through a multi-conductor cable 30 orthrough wireless means.

In one embodiment, the plurality of front mounted buttons 8-11 on thepresent gaming device 98 are associated with electronic switches thatallow for at least three input stages; pressing and holding, pressing atleast once, and pressing at least twice.

The circuitry is structured to read an immediate, instant or currentstate or value of the electronic switches and to communicaterepresentative control signals to the associated specialized software 16developed for this purpose.

FIG. 29 shows the screen where a user programs and saves their data intemplates 99-102, which function similar to the templates 51-55described in the computer mouse embodiment of the present invention,where saved data can be loaded into the computer's resident memory 26 tobe used with the frontal buttons 8-11 of the gaming device 98 byentering a username and password as explained with the computer mouseembodiment in FIGS. 4-5.

In one embodiment, the software 16 is designed to provide all of thesimilar functionalities with the frontal buttons 8-11 of the gamingdevice 98 as with the frontal buttons 8-11 of the mouse device 1, aspreviously explained in the computer mouse embodiment of the presentinvention.

In one embodiment of the current invention the database 40 of thesoftware 16 is stored on a permanent storage system 24 or server 73 andwould be accessible to all pointing devices connected to the network 14or server 73 via usernames and passwords or other security relatedfeatures. This will allow a user access to their database anywhere onthe network 14 regardless of which pointing device they were using,providing the design of the device incorporated the present invention.

FIG. 29 In one embodiment, the gaming device 98 is assigned a unique MACID address or similar unique identifier and is recognizable by thesoftware 16 through wireless means. Once recognized by the software 16,the user will have the option to assign a name to the gaming device 98,for example “Gaming device 1,” 104 and can access, load and activatetheir database 40 of personal data through this particular device 98into a game on a multimedia device, video game machine, personalcomputer 12, and game played over a global computer network 14 byselecting the identified device 98 in a drop down box 96 on a screen ofthe software 16. Once selected in the drop down box 96, and saved 37 bythe user, when logged in, the user presses a selected one of the frontalbuttons 8-11 on the gaming device 98, the associated MAC ID address ofthe gaming device 98 is attached to the signaled command and once thesoftware 16 recognizes and matches the attached MAC ID address or otheridentifier with the one of the gaming device 98 chosen in the drop downbox 96 of the software 16, it facilitates the desired command. In thisembodiment, several gaming devices 98 can be used by several users withdifferent databases 40 simultaneously on the same network 14 to access,load, and activate their databases 40 of data without compromisingsecurity or usability. For example several users can participate in thesame computer game and compete against each other on a single computer12 or on a network 14, each using their own gaming device 98 andaccessing their own database 40 of character templates 99-102 and storedcharacteristics 105 simultaneously.

In one embodiment, a user can select more than one gaming device toaccess their information on simultaneously by pressing and holding thecontrol key on the keyboard 23 while selecting the devices 98 from alist in the device drop down box 96 and saving their selection byclicking on the save button 37 at the bottom of the screen of thesoftware 16. This would allow a user the convenience to access, load,and activate their database of data from multiple devices with externalbuttons designed to work with the software 16 simultaneously, withoutthe task of changing approved devices 98 in the drop down box 96 of thesoftware 16.

In one embodiment, a user can log into the software 16 by pressing asequence of buttons on the gaming device 98 which represents a password.In one embodiment, the gaming device 98 contains a biometric sensor thatcan be tied to trigger the immediate login of a particular user.

FIG. 29 In one embodiment, the software 16 is designed specifically toenhance the use of computer games on a multimedia device, video gamemachine, personal computer 12, and game played over a global computernetwork 14, and is designed for a user to choose from a pre-created listor to create their own characters with characteristics that can bestored in the database 40 through customized templates 99-102 designedfor this purpose.

FIG. 29 displays the Character 3 template screen 101 of the software 16designed for the gaming device embodiment of the present invention wherea user chooses up to eight characteristics to store from a drop down box105, or from another form of a database of characteristics, for exampleweapons or super powers that will be associated with character 3 in thecomputer game, which is saved into a database 40 by the user clicking onthe save button 37.

In one embodiment, a user is given the ability to customize, combine,mix, or create up to eight different characteristics, for example,customized weapons or super powers, that will be saved into a database,and accessible in the computer game through the use of the frontalbuttons 8-11 of the gaming device 98.

In one embodiment, the choices of characteristics a user can choose fromare in the form of text, graphics, music, sounds, video, animation, gameor animation sequences, additional characters, or a combination thereof.In one embodiment, The user is given the ability to modify the names ofthe templates 99-102, and field labels 106 of the templates for each ofthe buttons 8-11 on the gaming device 98.

In one embodiment, the templates 99-102, field options 105, and fielddefinitions 106, can be customized to each computer game. For example,in one game the templates 99-102, field options 105, and fielddefinitions 106 consist of characters and weapons abilities, and inanother game the templates 99-102, field options 105, and fielddefinitions 106 consist of sports cars and racing abilities. The numberand format of fields and templates presented in FIG. 29 should not beviewed as fixed or limiting.

After being saved, when the user starts a computer game designed to workwith the software 16 and frontal buttons 8-11 of the gaming device 98,logs in with a password, and desires to be loaded into the computer gameas character 3 in the computer game, the user holds down frontal button11 on the gaming device 98 for a period of time, to load the savedcharacteristics 105 from the character 3 template 101 into thecomputer's resident memory 26, which is then accessible by the userdicking or double clicking each of the four frontal buttons 8-11. Aperiod of time is within a range of 0.25 to 10 seconds.

In one embodiment, another way in which the character templates 99-102are loaded into the computer's resident memory 26 for use by the fourfrontal buttons 8-11 is to move (drag) the pointing device 50 (or asimilar pointing indicator that determines where the control point of auser is on a display device 20) over a predetermined identifier oractivation mark, such as a certain colored rock which will periodicallyappear in the screen of the computer game sequence, and let it hoverover it for a period of time while software 16, matches the identifieror activation mark field label with a field label of the template 101.The same method of loading any of the other templates 99-102 into thecomputer's resident memory 26 for use by the frontal buttons 8-11 of thegaming device 98 applies; each template having it's own distinctidentifier or activation mark.

In one embodiment, the user is given the option to choose from a list ofidentifiers or activation marks to match with the loading of thetemplates 99-102. In one embodiment, the identifier or activation markis an event that occurs in the computer game. In one embodiment, theuser can create their own customized identifier or activation mark orevent through specialized buttons and templates on the preferencesscreen 107 designed for this purpose. In one embodiment, to avoidtemplate loading conflicts, identical activation marks for the differenttemplates 99-102 would not be permissible in the same computer game fora single username.

Once the data from the character 3 template 101 is loaded in thecomputer's resident memory 26, the eight fields of characteristics 105,as shown in FIG. 29, can be activated by the user clicking or doubleclicking any of the four frontal buttons 8-11 which will activate thecorresponding stored characteristic, then utilizing the characteristicin the computer game through the use of the traditional buttons 95 ofthe gaming device 98. For example, once character 3 is loaded in thecomputer's resident memory, pressing the frontal button 8 once (singleclicking) on the gaming device 98, it inserts an axe for the characterto use in the computer game. Press button 8 twice (double clicking) toautomatically insert a handgun for the character to use in the computergame.

If the user desires to manually change characters during the process ofthe computer game (and not wait for an activation mark or event), theuser would simply hold down a different frontal, for example button 9 onthe gaming device 98 for a period of time, to load the savedcharacteristics 105 from the character 2 template 100 into thecomputer's resident memory 26, which is then accessible by the userclicking or double clicking each of the four frontal buttons 8-11. Aperiod of time is within a range of 0.25 to 10 seconds.

The present invention, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30, is animproved PDA device 110 with internet access including a housing/body111, electronic circuitry within the housing, signalprojecting/receiving technology 112 for receiving signals and forsending signals to a receiver, at least one pointing device integratedinto the PDA, a display device 114, standard depressible buttons 113currently available on a PDA device and a plurality of externallymounted buttons 8-11 that are in addition to the standard depressiblebuttons 113, which are exposed on the housing and are electronicallyconnected with circuitry. The external buttons 8-11 are mounted in sucha way as to provide for easy access by the operator. At least some orall of the external finger depressible buttons 8-11 are for userselection of signals to be sent to the CPU 18 of the PDA 110 for thepurpose of initiating functioning macros, inputting specified user datainto a displayed document on the display device 114, or launching userpre-selected commands. A displayed document can be a form, webpage,document, graphical user interface, query, video, videogame, slideshow,animated presence or any presence on a display device which receivesdata.

In one embodiment, the plurality of front mounted buttons 8-11 on thepresent improved PDA device 110 are associated with electronic switchesthat allow for at least three input stages; pressing and holding,pressing at least once, and pressing at least twice.

The circuitry is structured to read an immediate, instant or currentstate or value of the electronic switches and to communicaterepresentative control signals to the associated specialized software 16developed for this purpose.

In one embodiment, the software 16 is designed whereby the buttons thatare for user selection of signals to be sent to the CPU 18 of the PDAdevice 110 for the purpose of initiating functioning macros, inputtingspecified user data into a displayed document, or launching userpre-selected commands are the standard depressible buttons 113 currentlyavailable on a PDA.

In one embodiment, the PDA device is a wireless phone, whereby thepressing and holding of select buttons loads different templates of datainto the phone's resident memory 26 for use by the standard buttons 113or by the frontal buttons 8-11 of the wireless phone device 110. Forexample, many wireless phones give the user an option to “speed-dial” aphone number by pressing and holding a selected one of the traditionalnumber buttons 113 for a period of time. However, users are typicallylimited to only storing 9 speed-dial numbers (button 0-button 9), andhave to use multiple “slots” to dial different numbers of the sameperson (work, home, cell etc.). In this embodiment of the presentinvention, a user can press and hold a selected frontal button 8-11 fora period of time to load a template, (for example, work numberstemplate, friends template, family template, etc.) upon when loaded intothe phone's resident memory will activate the speed-dial data, forexample, of 9 people. Once the data is loaded, the user can speed-dialthe stored phone number of a chosen person (for example, home phonenumber) with at least a single dick on one of the traditional buttons(button 0-button 9) of the phone. A user can then speed-dial a secondphone number of the same chosen person (for example, cellular phonenumber) with at least a double click on one of the traditional buttons(button 0-button 9) of the phone. A user can even speed-dial a thirdphone number of the same chosen person (for example, work phone number)with at least a triple click on one of the traditional buttons (button0-button 9) of the phone through circuitry and software designed forthis purpose.

FIG. 30 shows the display device 114 of the improved PDA device 110where a user selects their templates 51-55 and saved data to be loadedinto the PDA's resident memory 26 to be used with the frontal buttons8-11 of the PDA device 110. In one embodiment, the software 16 isdesigned to provide all of the similar functionalities with the frontalbuttons 8-11 of the PDA device 110 as with the frontal buttons 8-11 ofthe computer mouse 1, as previously explained in the computer mouseembodiment of the present invention. The number and format of fields andtemplates presented in FIG. 30 should not be viewed as fixed orlimiting.

In one embodiment of the current invention the database 40 of thesoftware 16 is stored in a permanent storage system 24 within the PDAdevice. In one embodiment, the database 40 of the software 16 is storedon a network 14 or server 73, and would be accessible to all devicesutilizing software 16 designed for this purpose which are connected tothe network 14 or server 73 via usernames and passwords or othersecurity related features. This will allow a user access to theirdatabase anywhere on the network 14 regardless of which PDA 110 ordevice they were using, providing the design of the device 110incorporated the present invention.

The previously described version of the present invention has manyadvantages. A pointing device or PDA that specifically addresses the useof front mounted buttons for initiating functioning macros, inputtinguser data, or launching user pre-selected commands substantially departsitself from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, andin so doing provides an apparatus developed for the purpose ofeffectively and efficiently inputting user data that is many timesrequested and used in a repetitious manner in displayed documentswithout depending on a secondary data input device, such as theconventional keyboard.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detailwith reference to certain embodiments thereof, other versions arepossible. Therefore, the point and scope of the appended claims shouldnot be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.

The process of using the pointing device system to input data from adatabase to a displayed document through first loading the data into acomputer's resident memory, is also presented for the purpose of thedescription and should not be viewed as fixed or limiting.

As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of thepresent invention, the same should be apparent from the abovedescription. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the mannerof usage and operation will be provided.

With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that theoptimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, toinclude variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and mannerof operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obviousto one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to thoseillustrated in the drawings and described in the specification areintended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the presentinvention.

1. An apparatus comprising: a computer pointing device having aplurality of buttons; a press and hold of a selected one of the buttonsfor a period of time loads a selected one of a plurality of templates;the selected one of the templates defines at least a single dick macrodata for each one of the plurality of buttons; at least a single clickon a selected one of the plurality of buttons sends macro data to aninput on a displayed document controlled by an indicator moved by thecomputer pointing device.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the periodof time is in a range between 0.25 to 10 seconds.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the indicator is a selected one of a pointer and a pointof control on the displayed document by the pointing device.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the pointing device is a selected one of acomputer mouse, trackball, joystick, gaming device, PDA and remotecontrol.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein pressing a selected one ofthe plurality of buttons moves the indicator of the computer pointingdevice from one field on the displayed document to another field.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the macro data is a selected one of textdata, image data, audio data, video data, and programming code.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the displayed document is a selected one ofa form, webpage, GUI, document, query, animated sequence, video sequenceand interactive game.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least asingle click on a selected one of the plurality of buttons sends macrodata to an input on a displayed document based on a position of anindicator moved by the computer pointing device.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein each one of the templates defines the at least onesingle click and a at least one double click macro data for each one ofthe plurality of buttons; each one of the at least one single click andat least one double click on a selected one of the plurality of buttonssends macro data to the input on the displayed document controlled bythe indicator moved by the computer pointing device.
 10. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein the plurality of templates are programmed by storingmacro data into data fields of a database having unique definitions foreach data field and associated rows and columns for each of the numberof clicks and number of the buttons.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10wherein a markup language is recognized in the displayed document and;the unique definitions in at least one of the plurality of templates arematched with tags in the markup language and the corresponding macrodata of the template is sent to the input on the document associatedwith the tag with at least a single click on a selected one of theplurality of buttons.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the uniquedefinitions for each data field in the plurality of templates can bemodified.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein at least one of thetemplates in a database is selected by logging in a user with a usernameand password.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein at least one of thetemplates in a database is selected by clicking on a sequence of buttonson a selected one of a keyboard and the pointing device representing thepassword.
 15. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein at least one of thetemplates in a database is selected by input to a biometric sensor. 16.The apparatus of claim 10 wherein at least one database of templates isstored on a selected one of a permanent storage system, a removablestorage system, and an online server with security features and isaccessible by other devices on a network.
 17. The apparatus of claim 10wherein the pointing device is assigned a unique identity and signalssent from the pointing device are connected to the unique identity; atleast a single click on a selected one of the plurality of buttonsdetermines the macro data to input on a displayed document controlled byan indicator moved by the pointing device.
 18. An apparatus comprising:a computer pointing device having a plurality of buttons; a movement ofthe indicator controlled by the pointing device over an identifier on adisplayed document is recognized and matched with identifiers unique toone of a plurality of templates to select a template; the selectedtemplate defines at least a single click macro data for each one of theplurality of buttons; at least a single click on a selected one of theplurality of buttons sends macro data to an input on a displayeddocument controlled by an indicator moved by a computer pointing device.19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the indicator is a selected one ofa pointer and a point of control on the displayed document by thepointing device.
 20. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the identifier onthe displayed document is a selected one of at least one word of text,an activation mark and a graphical image.
 21. The apparatus of claim 18wherein the occurrence of an event in a videogame sequence is recognizedand matched with identifiers unique to one of a plurality of templatesto select a template; the selected template defines at least a singleclick macro data for each one of the plurality of buttons; at least asingle dick on a selected one of the plurality of buttons sends macrodata to the input on the displayed document controlled by the indicatormoved by the computer pointing device.
 22. The apparatus of claim 18wherein each one of the templates defines the at least one single and aat least one double dick macro data for each one of the plurality ofbuttons; each one of the at least one single click and at least onedouble click on a selected one of the plurality of buttons sends macrodata to the input on the displayed document controlled by the indicatormoved by the computer pointing device.
 23. The apparatus of claim 18wherein the macro data is a selected one of text data, image data, audiodata, video data, and programming code.
 24. The apparatus of claim 18wherein the displayed document is a selected one of a form, webpage,GUI, document, query, animated sequence, video sequence and interactivegame.
 25. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the pointing device is aselected one of a computer mouse, trackball, joystick, gaming device,PDA and remote control.
 26. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein pressing aselected one of the plurality of buttons moves the indicator of thecomputer pointing device from one field on the displayed document toanother field.
 27. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the plurality oftemplates are programmed by storing macro data into data fields of adatabase having unique definitions for each data field and associatedrows and columns for each of the number of clicks and number of thebuttons; and wherein the identifiers unique to each one of the pluralityof templates are data definitions of each field.
 28. The apparatus ofclaim 27 wherein at least one of the templates in the database isselected by logging in a user with a username and password.
 29. Theapparatus of claim 28 wherein at least one of the templates in thedatabase is selected by clicking on a sequence of buttons on a selectedone of a keyboard and the pointing device representing the password. 30.The apparatus of claim 27 wherein at least one of the templates in adatabase is selected by input to a biometric sensor.
 31. The apparatusof claim 27 wherein a markup language is recognized in the displayeddocument and; the unique definitions in the plurality of templates arematched with tags in the markup language and the corresponding macrodata of the template is sent to the input on the document associatedwith the tag with at least a single click on a selected one of theplurality of buttons.
 32. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the uniquedefinitions for each data field in the plurality of templates can bemodified.
 33. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein at least one database oftemplates is stored on a selected one of a permanent storage system, aremovable storage system, and an online server with security featuresand is accessible by other devices on a network.
 34. The apparatus ofclaim 27 wherein the pointing device is assigned a unique identity andsignals sent from the pointing device are connected to the uniqueidentity; at least a single dick on a selected one of the plurality ofbuttons determines the macro data to input on a displayed documentcontrolled by an indicator moved by the pointing device.
 35. A methodfor filling in a displayed document with a computer pointing devicehaving a plurality of buttons comprising: assigning and storing a firstunique macro data to each one of the plurality of buttons; assigning andstoring a second unique macro data to each one of the plurality ofbuttons; clicking at least once on a selected one of the plurality ofbuttons sends a first unique macro data corresponding to the selectedone of the plurality of buttons to an input in the displayed documentcontrolled by an indicator moved by the computer pointing device and;clicking at least twice on a selected one of the plurality of buttonssends a second unique macro data corresponding to the selected one ofthe plurality of buttons to an input in the displayed documentcontrolled by an indicator moved by the computer pointing device. 36.The method of claim 35 wherein the indicator is a selected one of apointer and a point of control on the displayed document by the pointingdevice.
 37. The method of claim 35 wherein the pointing device is aselected one of a computer mouse, trackball, joystick, gaming device,PDA and remote control.
 38. The method of claim 35 comprising: movingthe indicator controlled by the computer pointing device from one fieldon the displayed document to another filed by pressing a selected one ofthe plurality of buttons.
 39. The method of claim 35 wherein the stepsof assigning and storing the first and the second unique macro data arerepeated for a plurality of templates the number of which corresponds tothe number of the plurality of buttons and comprising: a pressing andholding for a time and release of a selected one of the buttons loads anassigned one of the plurality of templates.
 40. The method of claim 35wherein the steps of assigning and storing the first and the secondunique macro data are repeated for a plurality of templates the numberof which corresponds to the number of the plurality of buttons andcomprising: organizing the plurality of templates in a database;programming the plurality of templates by storing macro data into datafields of a database having unique definitions for each data field andhaving associated rows and columns for each of the number of clicks andnumber of buttons; recognizing an identifier in the displayed documentunder the pointing device indicator; matching the identifier with theunique definitions corresponding to one of the templates and; loadingthe matched template.
 41. The method of claim 40 wherein the identifieron the displayed document is a selected one of at least one word oftext, an activation mark and a graphical image.
 42. The method of claim40 comprising: recognizing the occurrence of an event in a videogamesequence; matching the event with the unique definitions correspondingto one of the templates and; loading the matched template.
 43. Themethod of claim 35 comprising: organizing the plurality of templates ina database and; programming the plurality of templates by storing macrodata into data fields of a database having unique definitions for eachdata field and having associated rows and columns for each of the numberof clicks and number of buttons.
 44. The method of claim 43 comprising:selecting at least one template from the database for a user by enteringa username and password.
 45. The method of claim 44 comprising a step ofentering the password by pressing a sequence of buttons on a selectedone of a keyboard and the pointing device representing the password. 46.The method of claim 43 comprising: selecting at least one template fromthe database for a user by entering his biometric data.
 47. The methodof claim 43 comprising: recognizing an identifier in the displayeddocument under the indicator moved by the pointing device and; matchingthe identifier with the unique data field definitions corresponding toone of the templates; loading the matched template.
 48. The method ofclaim 43 comprising: recognizing a markup language in the displayeddocument; matching the unique data field definitions in at least one ofthe plurality of templates with tags in the markup language and; sendingthe corresponding macro data of the template to the input on thedocument associated with the tag with at least a single click on aselected one of the plurality of buttons.
 49. The method of claim 43comprising: modifying the unique definitions for each data field in theplurality of templates.
 50. The method of claim 35 wherein the macrodata is a selected one of text data, image data, audio data, video data,and programming code.
 51. The method of claim 35 wherein the displayeddocument is a selected one of a form, webpage, document, GUI, query,animated sequence, video sequence and interactive game.
 52. The methodof claim 35 wherein the steps of assigning and storing the first and thesecond unique macro data are repeated for a first and second one of aplurality of templates and comprising: organizing the first and secondplurality of templates in a database such that the number of the firstand second plurality of templates correspond to the number of buttons;programming the first and second plurality of templates by storing macrodata into data fields of a database having unique definitions for eachdata field and having associated rows and columns for each of the numberof clicks and number of buttons; when a markup language is recognized inthe displayed document; matching the unique definitions in the secondplurality of templates with tags in the markup language; sending thecorresponding macro data of the second plurality of template to theinput on the displayed document associated with the tag with at least asingle click on a selected one of the plurality of buttons; when amarkup language is not recognized in the displayed document a pressingand holding for a period of time and release of a selected one of thebuttons loading an assigned one of the first plurality of templates;recognizing an identifier in the displayed document under the pointingdevice indicator; matching the identifier with unique definitionscorresponding one of the first plurality of templates and; loading thetemplate in the first plurality that has the definition that matches.53. The method of claim 40 wherein the unique definitions correspondingone of the first plurality of templates represent data definitions ofeach field.
 54. The method of claim 40 wherein the period of time is ina range between 0.25 to 10 seconds.
 55. The method of claim 40comprising: storing at least one database of templates on a selected oneof a permanent storage system, a removable storage system, and an onlineserver with security features and is accessible by other devices on anetwork.
 56. The method of claim 35 wherein the steps of assigning andstoring the first and the second unique macro data are repeated for aplurality of templates the number of which corresponds to the number ofthe plurality of buttons comprising: organizing the plurality oftemplates in a database; programming the plurality of templates bystoring macro data into data fields of a database having uniquedefinitions for each data field and having associated rows and columnsfor each of the number of clicks and number of buttons; programming theplurality of templates by selecting at least one pointing device with aunique identity to receive commands from; receiving commands attachedwith the unique identifier from at least one pointing device to sendmacro data of the template to the input on the document; matching theattached unique identifier with one selected in the template programmingstep and; sending the corresponding macro data of the template to theinput on the document.